Selective Scent Dispensing

ABSTRACT

A computer implemented method, a computerized system and a computer program product for selective scent dispensing. The computer implemented method comprising: detecting an event, wherein the event is associated with a person entering a predetermined physical area; in response to the detection of the event, determining, by a processor, a scent for the event; and applying, by a dispenser, the scent on the predetermined physical area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Israeli Patent Application No.231687 filed Mar. 24, 2014, entitled “SELECTIVE SCENT DISPENSING”, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to scent dispensers.

BACKGROUND

Smell is one of the strongest and most primal of all the human senses.Many researches shows that smell can influence human thoughts andbehavior more than expected. Just like verbal, dress and physical cues,scent, may help people to convey impression and sometimes influence theway people perceive each other.

In perfumery, notes are descriptors of scents. Notes are generallyseparated into three classes: top notes, middle notes and base notes.The classes denote groups of scents that may be smelled with respect tothe time after the perfume application. A top note scent may be a scentthat is perceived immediately or within a short time after applicationof a perfume. A top note scent may typically consist of relatively smalland light molecules. The top note may be characterized by a relativelynoticeable scent. The top note may be of high volatility (e.g.,evaporation coefficient of about 1 to about 14). The top note may befast evaporating, such as within approximately seconds of dispensing.The top note may be suitable for conveying a desired initial impressionto others.

The perfume industry is pushing the wealth of the scent world topractically every aspect of everyday life and successfully spreadinginto hospitality, retail, consumer packaged goods, beauty, healthcare,real estate food and accommodation.

Emerging scent applications, such as digitally transmitting andreceiving scent, are becoming more affordable and therefore moreavailable in the consumer marketplace. For example delivering a specificscent for enhancing videogame experience. Artificial recreation of asmell by synthesizing chemical molecules is one enabling technology ofthese scents on demand applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is a methodcomprising: detecting an event, wherein the event is associated with aperson entering a predetermined physical area; in response to the event,determining, by a processor, a scent for the event; and applying thescent on the predetermined physical area.

Another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is a systemcomprising: a detecting component configured to detect an eventassociated with a person entering a predetermined physical area; a scentdeterminator configured to determine a scent for the event; and adispenser configured to apply the scent on the predetermined physicalarea.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is amethod comprising: automatically recognizing a food content about to beconsumed by a person; determining, by a processor, a scent associatedwith the food content; and automatically applying the scent on theperson.

THE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosed subject matter will be understood and appreciatedmore fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the drawings in which corresponding or like numerals or charactersindicate corresponding or like components. Unless indicated otherwise,the drawings provide exemplary embodiments or aspects of the disclosureand do not limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a flowchart diagram of a method, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 1B shows a flowchart diagram of a method, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of a store, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 4 shows an illustration of a restaurant, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One technical problem dealt with by the disclosed subject matter, is toautomatically personalize a scent to a person based uponcharacterization of the person and an event associated with commercialpurposes. Business, such as for example, in the field of hospitality,retail, beauty, healthcare, real estate, dining, entertainment, or thelike, may wish to utilize scent in their sales promotion methods ororder to enhance their clients' experience. As an example, suchbusinesses may wish to encourage a customer to evaluate specific goods,by exposing the customer to a specific scent that is expected to promotesuch behavior. To do so, business may need to adjust the scent fordifferent people, for different purposes, in different locations (orareas), and at different business hours. Additionally or alternatively,an automatic and efficient manner to personalize a scent in a point ofsale may also be desired in view of the growing awareness of the impactsmell has on people's behavior.

One technical solution is determining an appropriate scent for an eventthat is associated with a person and applying the scent on the person.In some exemplary embodiments, facial recognition may be employed toallow personalization of the scent based on identity or othercharacteristics of a person. The disclosed subject matter may utilize adispenser, capable of applying the appropriate scent for the event.

An event may be, for example, a person (e.g., customer) entering apredetermined physical area, such as crossing an aisle in the store,entering the store, or the like. Another example of an event may be aperson eating in a restaurant or a person about to consume a foodcontent.

In some exemplary embodiments, the scent may be selected based ondifferent parameters, such as but not limited to characterization of theperson (e.g., a gender of the person, an identity of the person, an ageof the person, a demographic profile of the person, or the like);location of the person; time of a day; purchase history and customerprofile of the person; a combination thereof; or the like.

In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter may recognize anapproaching person to a predetermined physical area and utilize a facialrecognition module to characterize the approaching person. A scent canbe selected and applied to the predetermined physical area shortlybefore the arrival of the person to the area. In some exemplaryembodiments, the timing in which the scent is applied may be based uponthe distance and the movement direction of the approaching person.Additionally or alternatively, the scent may be applied based on agesture or a verbal greeting between the business representative and theapproaching person.

In some embodiments, the dispenser may be a fast release dispenser. Insome embodiments, the dispenser may be a fast release dispenserconfigured to apply a specific perfume from a plurality of perfumecartridges. Each one of the perfume cartridges may be associated withspecific event. Additionally or alternatively, the dispenser may beoperatively coupled to a scent synthesizer configured to synthesize ascent on-demand.

In some exemplary embodiments, the dispenser may dispense fastevaporating perfume which may evaporate relatively fast and will notinterfere with another scent, should it be applied later on. Fastevaporating perfume may enable use of the disclosed subject matter toprovide personalized scent for one person and to provide a differentscent shortly thereafter for another person.

One technical effect of utilizing the disclosed subject matter isequipping businesses with an automatic scent system capable to impactthe shopping experience of their customers. In some exemplaryembodiments, utilizing systems of the disclosed subject matter mayreform the way of doing businesses by enabling a personalized marketingapproach that is scent-based.

Another technical effect of utilizing the disclosed subject matter isproviding retail businesses, with automatic scent selecting system forimproving the performance of sales personnel. Upon characterizing thecustomer's profile, such as types of items the customer purchases,purchasing habits, or the like, an appropriate scent may be applied to apredetermined area when the customer is present in that area. The scentmay be selected so as to improve the probability that the customer willpurchase any item or specific items. As an example, different scents maybe used to convey different messages to the customer, such as one scentmay be used to increase the reliability of the salesperson, anotherscent may be used to encourage purchase of more luxurious items, and yetanother scent may increase the customer's desire to purchase specificitems or services. The selected scent may convey any desired messagewhich may have a business value when the customer is exposed to it,affected by it, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, showing a flowchart diagram of a method inaccordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter.

In Step 100, an event may be detected. The event may be used to triggerthe system to select a specific scent for a person and apply the scent.A detecting component, such as 220 of FIG. 2, may be utilized to detectthe event. In some exemplary embodiments, the event may be a personentering or approaching a predetermined physical area or otherwiseassociated with the predetermined physical area. In some exemplaryembodiments, the event may be an activity of the person, such as, forexample, eating, drinking, smoking, shopping, or the like.

In Step 110, facial recognition may be performed. The facial recognitionmay be performed by a facial recognition component, such as 230 of FIG.2, which may be operatively coupled with a camera, such as 252 of FIG.2. The facial recognition may determine one or more characterizations ofa person, such as a gender of the person, an identity of the person, anage of the person, a demographic profile of the person, a combinationthereof, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the person may be acustomer, and the facial recognition may characterize the customer basedon a data repository comprising purchase history which may be used todetermine a customer profile for the customer. In some exemplaryembodiments, the event may not relate to any given person but rather tospecific people or people having specific characteristics. Facialrecognition may be utilized to characterize the person in order todetect the event in Step 100.

Additionally or alternatively image processing may be utilized to detectan approaching person and estimate his or her expected arrival time tothe predetermined physical area based on the distance and direction.

In Step 120, a scent may be determined. The scent may be determined by ascent determinator, such as 240 of FIG. 2. The determination of thescent may be based on predefined rules. As an example, the rules maydefine a different scent in response to: different event types,different characterization of people, different purchasing habits of acustomer, or the like.

In some exemplary embodiments, the scent determination may be based on acharacterization and scent database, such as 250 of FIG. 2. The databasemay comprise a set of rules associating the scent to an event type orproperties thereof. As an example, the rules for a customer steppinginto a predetermined area in a department store may define: a firstscent to be selected in response to characterizing the customer as a manestimated as shopping for hardware tools; a second scent to be selectedin response to characterizing the customer as a woman estimated asshopping for cosmetics, and a third scent to be selected for any personon a calendar event such as “Black Friday”. In some exemplaryembodiments, the scent determination may be based the type of foodcontent the customer is eating. The food content may be any substanceconsumed to provide nutritional support for the body, including solidfood content, liquid food content, or the like. In some exemplaryembodiments, the food content may be an appetizer, a beverage, adessert, a main course, a side dish, or the like.

In some exemplary embodiments, the determination of Step 120 may resultin a selection of a specific scent to be applied in response to theevent. Additionally or alternatively, Step 120 may determine a durationin which the scent is to he dispensed.

In some exemplary embodiments, the determined scent may be selectedbased on availability of perfumes. As an example, in case a perfumecartridge is depleted a replacement scent may be used instead.

In some exemplary embodiments, the determined scent may be a top note.The scent may he selected from available top note scents or frompotentially synthesizable top note scents.

In Step 130, dispensing instruction may be communicated to a dispenser,such as 240 of FIG. 2. The instruction may indicate the selected scentof Step 120. In some exemplary embodiments, information may hecommunicated in addition to the selected scent, such as for example, adispensing duration, an instruction to synthesize the scent, aninstruction to apply the scent, a duty cycle of reapplying the scent, orthe like. The communicated instruction may be communicated via wiredcommunication, wireless communication, or the like.

In Step 140, the scent may be applied by a dispenser. In some exemplaryembodiments, the dispenser may apply a fast evaporating scent towardsthe predetermined physical area, towards the person or his surround, orthe like. In some exemplary embodiments, the dispenser may he configuredto perform real time synthesis of the selected scent. In someembodiments, the dispenser may be configured to apply a specific perfumefrom a plurality of perfume cartridges. Each one of the perfumecartridges may he associated with specific event.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, showing a flowchart diagram of a method inaccordance with sonic exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter.

In Step 160, food content may be automatically recognized. The automaticrecognition may utilize a camera, such as 252 of FIG. 2. The automaticrecognition of the food content may utilize image processing methods. Insome exemplary embodiments, the recognition may be based on matching animage of the food captured by the camera and comparing it against imagesof food items. The images may be a-priori provided. In some exemplaryembodiments, images may be provided for each food item listed in a menuof a restaurant or food vendor at which the camera is overlooking. Insome exemplary embodiments, the images of the food items listed in themenu may be stored in a data repository.

In Step 170, a scent may be determined. The scent determination may beperformed by a scent determinator, such as 240 of FIG. 2. Thedetermination of the scent may be performed by selecting a scent that isassociated with the recognized food content. In sonic exemplaryembodiments, each food content in the menu may be a-priori associatedwith a scent. In some exemplary embodiments, a different scent may beselected for a different food item. For example a couple having a dinnermeal in restaurant may each receive a different scent as one may have apoultry dish while the other is eating vegetarian food. In someexemplary embodiments, the selected scent is expected to enhance agastronomical experience of the person from the food content. As anexample, the scent may enhance the flavor of the food. As anotherexample, the scent may contradict the expected scent of the food contentthereby creating for the user a cognitive dissonance. As yet anotherexample, the scent may be adapted to contradict a displeasing aftertaste from consuming the food content. The scent may be selected toachieve other enhancements of the gastronomical experience than theexamples listed above.

In Step 180, the scent may be applied by a dispenser in a similar mannerto Step 140. It will be noted that dispensing instruction may becommunicated in order to instruct the dispenser to apply the scent.

Referring now to FIG. 2, showing a block diagram of a system inaccordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter. An Apparatus 200 may be a computerized apparatus adapted toperform methods such as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 200 may comprise a Processor202. Processor 202 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), amicroprocessor, an electronic circuit, an Integrated Circuit (IC) or thelike. Additionally or alternatively, Apparatus 200 can be implemented asfirmware written for or ported to a specific processor such as DigitalSignal Processor (DSP) or microcontrollers, or can be implemented ashardware or configurable hardware such as field programmable gate array(FPGA) or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processor 202may be utilized to perform computations required by Apparatus 200 or anyof it subcomponents.

In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, Apparatus200 may comprise a Communication Component 226. Apparatus 200 mayutilize Communication Component 226 as an interface to transmit and/orreceive information and instructions between Apparatus 200 and externalI/O devices, such as a Dispenser 260, Camera 252, Sensors 254 or thelike. In some exemplary embodiments, the physical media used to transmitand receive the information may be: by wire (e.g., CAT-5), wireless(e.g., Wi-Fi) a combination thereof, or the like.

In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 200 may comprise a Memory Unit207. Memory Unit 207 may be persistent or volatile. For example, MemoryUnit 207 can be a Flash disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a memorychip, an optical storage device such as a CD, a DVD, or a laser disk; amagnetic storage device such as a tape, a hard disk, storage areanetwork (SAN), a network attached storage (NAS), or others; asemiconductor storage device such as Flash device, memory stick, or thelike. In some exemplary embodiments, Memory Unit 207 may retain programcode to activate Processor 202 to perform acts associated with any ofthe steps shown in FIG. 1A and/or 1B.

The components detailed below may be implemented as one or more sets ofinterrelated computer instructions, executed for example by Processor202 or by another processor. The components may be arranged as one ormore executable files, dynamic libraries, static libraries, methods,functions, services, or the like, programmed in any programming languageand under any computing environment.

A Detecting Component 220 may be configured to detect an eventassociated with a person, such as for example, depicted in Step 100 ofFIG. 1A. Additionally or alternatively, Detecting Component 220 may beconfigured to detect an event associated with a food content beingconsumed or about to be consumed by a person, such as exemplified inFIG. 1B. In some exemplary embodiments, the Detecting Component 220 maybe operatively coupled with Sensors 254, Camera 252, a combinationthereof, or the like.

A Facial Recognition Component 230 may be configured to perform facialrecognition, such as for example, depicted in Step 110 of FIG. 1A. TheFacial Recognition Component 230 may be operatively coupled with Camera252. In some exemplary embodiments, Facial Recognition Component 230 maybe utilized to characterize a person. A person may be characterized bygender, identity, age, demographic profile, a combination thereof, orthe like. Additionally or alternatively, Facial Recognition Component230 may be utilized in detecting an event of a person approaching thepredetermined physical area.

In the present disclosure, the term “facial recognition” should beunderstood as a recognition of physical traits of persons or objectsbased on image processing. Facial recognition may include identifying aperson, extracting physical features of a person captured in an image,or the like. The physical features may be, for example, facial featuresor non-facial features. In some exemplary embodiments, FacialRecognition Module 230 may be utilized to extract a physical feature ofan age, based on a size of the person (e.g., potentially differentiatingchildren from adults). As another example, Facial Recognition Module 230may identify food content captured in an image, identifying a personentering or exiting a frame or an area within the frame, or the like.

A Scent Determinator 240 may be configured to determine the scent, suchas for example, depicted in Step 120 of FIG. 1A or Step 170 of FIG. 1B.In some exemplary embodiments, Scent Determinator 240 may obtain eventinformation from Detecting Component 220, characterization informationfrom Facial Recognition Component 230, a combination thereof, or thelike. In some exemplary embodiments, Scent Determinator 240 may utilizea Characterization and Scent Data Base (CSDB) 250 to determine the scentbased on the event and characterization information. Additionally oralternatively, the Scent Determinator 240 may instruct a dispenser suchas Dispenser 260 to apply the selected scent on the person.

Memory Unit 207 may retain a CSDB 250. In some exemplary embodiments,the CSDB 250 may be a database which comprises rules for scentselection. The rules may define a scent to be selected based on eventproperties, based on characterization of a target person, or the like.In some exemplary embodiments, Scent Determinator 240 may utilize CSDB250 for determining the scent. The determination of the scent may bebased on predefined rules that are retained in CSDB 250. As an example,the rules may define a different scent in response to: different eventtypes, different characterization of people, different purchasing habitsof customers, different food served in a restaurant, or the like.

As an example, CSDB 250 may retain a record corresponding to a rule ofselecting SCENT#1 for a person characterized as a young woman mostlikely to buy fashion items. Another record corresponding to a rule ofselecting SCENT#5 for a person characterized as man, most likely to buyhardware tools. CSDB 250 may also retain a record corresponding to arule of selecting, for example, SCENT #3 associated with date such asfor example “St. Patrick's Day”.

In accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter, a Camera 252 may be utilized for performing facial recognitionof a person. In some exemplary embodiments, Camera 252 may be positionedin a location facilitating clear field of view for capturing the face aperson present in the predetermined physical area or approachingthereto. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more cameras such asCamera 252 may be used to cover the predetermined physical area.Additionally or alternatively, one camera such as Camera 252 may be usedto cover one or more predetermined physical areas, such as for example,Camera 321 of FIG. 3.

In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, Sensors254 may be utilized by Detecting Component 220 for detecting an event.In some exemplary embodiments, Sensors 254 may be used to detect anevent of a person entering a predetermined physical area. In someexemplary embodiments, Sensors 254 may be positioned in a locationadequate for monitoring the predetermined physical areas. In someexemplary embodiments, one or more sensors may he utilized for one ormore predetermined physical areas.

In some exemplary embodiments, Sensors 254 may comprise any or all ofthe following: a proximity sensor, a motion detector, a combinationthereof, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, Sensors 254 may heconfigured to detect a movement of hands, head, or other parts of theperson's body to indicate an event, for example, a person eating, suchas, Person 401 of FIG. 4.

In some exemplary embodiments, Sensors 254 may comprise a scent sensor.The scent sensor may be a device capable of recognizing a smell. Thescent sensor may be utilized to identify an event upon recognition of aspecific smell such as for example a smell of cigarettes smoke, or thelike. In some exemplary embodiments, based the scent may be determinedso as to contradict a foul odor, to provide optimal results in view ofpresent odor at the physical area, or the like.

In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, aDispenser 260 may be used. Dispenser 260 may be a fast releasedispenser. Dispenser 260 may be utilized to perform Step 140 of FIG. 1Aor Step 180 of FIG. 1B. In some exemplary embodiments, Dispenser 260 mayreceive instruction to apply a scent from the Scent Determinator 240through Communication Component 226. In some exemplary embodiments, theinstruction may include the selected scent to be applied. In someexemplary embodiments, Dispenser 260 may comprise a scent synthesizerfor synthesizing the selected scent on demand. In some embodiments, thedispenser may comprise a plurality of perfume cartridges, whereinDispenser 260 may apply the perfume from the cartridge associated withthe event. In some exemplary embodiments, Dispenser 260 may bephysically separated from Apparatus 200 and may be positioned inproximity to the predetermined physical area.

In some exemplary embodiments, scents of top note class may be used byDispenser 260. Top note scents may be perceived right after applicationof the perfume. Top note scents may typically consist of small and lightmolecules and may be characterized by noticeable scent, volatility andfast evaporation. Top note scents may be used to convey a desiredimpression. In some exemplary embodiments, as the top note scents mayevaporate relatively fast, application of another scent that may occurwithin several minutes or even dozen of seconds, would not be disturbedby the previously applied top note scent.

Referring now to FIG. 3, showing an illustration of a store, inaccordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter.

In some exemplary embodiments, a system may be deployed in a Store 300.The system deployed in Store 300 may comprise: an apparatus, such asApparatus 200 of FIG. 2 (not shown); Dispensers 311, 312 and 313 andCameras 321, 322 and 313.

In some exemplary embodiments, Cameras 321 and 322 may be associatedwith Predetermined Physical Area (PPA) 341. Cameras 321 and 322 beutilized to detect an event of Customer 301 entering PredeterminedPhysical Area (PPA) 341. In response to a detection of the event, theFacial Recognition Component 230 of FIG. 2 may utilize the imagesprovides by Cameras 321 and 322 to perform facial recognition ofCustomer 301 present in PPA 341. In some exemplary embodiments, ScentDeterminator 240 of FIG. 2 may determine a scent based variousparameters associated with the event, such as the characterization ofCustomer 301. Additionally or alternatively, the Scent Determinator 240of FIG. 2 may instruct Dispenser 312 to apply the selected Scent 352towards PPA 341 so as to expose Customer 301 to Scent 352.

In some exemplary embodiments, an event may occur upon theidentification of Customer 302 approaching PPA 342. The identificationmay be performed, for example, by Facial Recognition Component 230operatively coupled with Camera 324. In some exemplary embodiments,Customer 302 may be identified as a returning customer characterized asa “bargain seeker”. In some exemplary embodiments, Scent Determinator240 may instruct Dispenser 313 to apply scent associated with today'sbargain product.

In some exemplary embodiments, Scent Determinator 240 may instructDispenser 311 to apply a scent associated with the a holiday saleproduct during a holiday shopping season, on each customer stepping inPPA 341, or on each customer that meets a certain criterion.

Referring now to FIG. 4, showing a restaurant, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

In some exemplary embodiments, a system may be deployed, for example ina restaurant, such as Restaurant 400. The system deployed in Restaurant400 may comprise: an apparatus such as Apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 (notshown); Dispensers 410 and 411; Sensor 450, such as a proximity sensor,weight sensor, or the like, and a Camera 420.

In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus of the system deployed inRestaurant 400 may determine, upon an indication from Sensor 450, that aperson, such as Customer 401, is sitting on a Chair 430 at a Table 431and that the person may be consuming or about to consume food contentlocated on a Dish 433. Following the determination, the apparatus mayexecute an automatic sequence of operations comprising Steps 160, 170and 180 of FIG. 1B. The automatic sequence may be concluded by applyinga selected scent at Customer 401 to enhance his or her gastronomicalexperience while consuming the food content.

In some exemplary embodiments, the selected scent is expected to enhancethe gastronomical experience of one or more people sitting, for example,at Table 431. Each person having a meal may receive a scent associatedto the food content he or she consumes. In some exemplary embodiments,the expected scent may enhance the gastronomical experience byemphasizing the flavor of the food, by contradicting the expected scentof the food, by eliminating after taste from consuming the food, bycreating an aura reminding of a place associated with the food (e.g.,pine forest scent for Christmas meal), a combination thereof, or thelike.

In some exemplary embodiments, Camera 420 may be utilized in Step 160 toperform food content recognition of the food content served in Dish 433.Following the recognition, Step 170 may be performed to select a scentassociated with the food content in Dish 433. In some exemplaryembodiments, the recognition comprises matching a captured image of thefood content (by Camera 420) against images of the menu items ofRestaurant 400. In some exemplary embodiments, the menu may be stored ina data repository, such as CSDB 250 of FIG. 2. The menu may compriseimages of the food items, each of which may have a specific scentassociated thereto. Following the scent selection, Step 180 may bepreformed to apply the scent. The selected scent may be applied byDispenser 411 and/or Dispenser 410 to Customer 401.

In some exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to apply thescent at a time associated with Customer 401 consuming the food content.As an example, Dispenser 410 may dispense a scent at a timing in whichCustomer 401 tastes the food content, picks a silverware to consume thefood content, draws the food content near the mouth or nose of Customer401, or the like.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more dispenser may be utilized. Inone embodiment, a dispenser may be mounted on a chair and positioned soas to apply the scent on a person sitting on the chair. Additionally oralternatively, a dispenser may be mounted on a table and be configuredto apply the scent to a person sitting next to the table. Additionallyor alternatively, a dispenser may be mobile and may be manuallypositioned on the table, such as by a waiter. Additionally oralternatively, the dispenser may be embedded within a plate or otherdishware used to serve the food content.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof program code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the disclosed subjectmatter may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product.Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,the present invention may take the form of a computer program productembodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usableprogram code embodied in the medium.

Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readablemedium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readablemedium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustivelist) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: anelectrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory(CDROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as thosesupporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device.Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even bepaper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, asthe program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, opticalscanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, orotherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then storedin a computer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usableor computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with thecomputer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband oras part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may betransmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited towireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, and the like.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the presentinvention may be written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages, including an object oriented programming language such asJava, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer,partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partlyon the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely onthe remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remotecomputer may be connected to the user's computer through any type ofnetwork, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network(WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (forexample, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method comprising: detecting an event, whereinthe event is a person entering a predetermined physical area, wherein adispenser is located in proximity to the predetermined physical area andpermanently associated therewith so as to be capable of applying a scentto be sensed by a person that is located within the predeterminedphysical area; in response to the event, determining, by a processor, ascent for the event; and applying the scent, using the dispenser, on thepredetermined physical area.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein saiddetermining comprises performing facial recognition to characterize theperson, wherein the scent is determined based on the characterization ofthe person.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the characterization isselected from the group consisting of: a gender of the person; anidentity of the person; an age of the person and a demographic profileof the person.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the person is acustomer, wherein said determining the sent is performed based on acustomer profile of the customer, wherein the customer profile is basedon a purchase history of the customer, wherein the purchase history isretained in a data repository, whereby the scent is determined based onthe purchase history of the customer entering the predetermined physicalarea.
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein said detecting the eventcomprises performing facial recognition to characterize the person; andwherein the scent is determined based on the characterization of theperson.
 25. The method of claim 20, wherein said applying the scentcomprises applying a perfume having the scent, wherein the perfumeconsist of a top note.
 26. The method of claim 20, wherein said applyingcomprises transmitting an instruction from an apparatus to thedispenser, wherein the dispenser is external to the apparatus; inresponse to the instruction, the dispenser applying the scent on thepredetermined physical area.
 27. A system comprising: a detectingcomponent configured to detect an event of a person entering apredetermined physical area; a scent determinator configured todetermine a scent for the event; and a dispenser configured to apply thescent on the predetermined physical area, wherein said dispenser islocated in proximity to the predetermined physical area and permanentlyassociated therewith so as to be capable to apply a scent to be sensedby a person that is located within the predetermined physical area. 28.The system of claim 27, wherein said detecting component is operativelycoupled with a camera, wherein said detecting the event comprisesperforming facial recognition to characterize the person.
 29. The systemof claim 27, wherein said system is operatively coupled with a camera,wherein the camera is physically positioned in a fixed location in whichthe camera is capable of observing the predetermined physical area. 30.The system of claim 27, wherein said scent determinator comprises afacial recognition component operatively coupled with a stationarycamera, wherein said facial recognition component is configured tocharacterize the person, wherein the scent is determined based on thecharacterization of the person.
 31. The system of claim 27, wherein theperson is a customer, wherein said scent determination is configured toobtain a customer profile of the customer, wherein the customer profileis based on a purchase history of the customer, wherein the purchasehistory is retained in a data repository, whereby the scent isdetermined based on the purchase history of the customer entering thepredetermined physical area.
 32. The system of claim 27, wherein saiddispenser is a stationary dispenser that is located in proximity to thepredetermined physical area.
 33. A method comprising: automaticallyrecognizing a food content about to be consumed by a person;determining, by a processor, a scent associated with the food content,wherein the scent is different than a scent of the food content; andautomatically applying the scent on the person.
 34. The method of claim33, wherein the food content is selected from the group consisting of:an appetizer, a beverage, a dessert, a main course and a side dish. 35.The method of claim 33, wherein said automatically applying the scentenhances a gastronomical experience of the person from consuming thefood content.
 36. The method of claim 33, wherein said recognizingcomprises matching an image of the food content against images of menuitems of a restaurant.
 37. The method of claim 20, wherein said applyingthe scent comprises applying a perfume having the scent, wherein theperfume having evaporating coefficient of between 1 and
 14. 38. Themethod of claim 20 further comprises applying a second scent in responseto a second event, wherein the scent and the second scent are different,wherein the scent is configured to evaporate without interfering withthe second scent.
 39. The system of claim 27 further comprising a seconddispenser located in proximity to a second predetermined physical areaso as to be capable to apply a second scent to be sensed by a secondperson that is located within the second predetermined physical area.